Red for Revolution

To celebrate the anniversary of Red for Revolution’s Radiotopia debut, we’re dropping a special bonus episode.  Join members of the cast and creative team as they revisit the story's earliest seeds, its unexpected turns, and the beautiful collaboration.  You’ll also hear exclusive, unreleased audio scenes from the cutting‑room floor. Part reflection, part celebration, and part revelation, this episode invites listeners into the room where the revolution truly began. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter, visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. This episode includes interviews with  Jana Naomi Smith  Jordan Hull Tammy L. Hall  Liz McBee Renée Wilson Alimi Ballard And features performances by: adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Ashley J. Hobbs as additional narrations  Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Alimi Ballard as LeRoy (1970s) Will Kachi (Volunteer 1970s) Music Featured: “Revolution” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall  Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band Tammy Hall, pianist & music director Kofy Brown, electric Bassist Ruth Davies, acoustic Bassist Ruthie Price, drummer Vicki Randle, percussionist Kristen Strom, saxophonist/flautist  For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

On May 24, 2025 in LA, Red for Revolution's creator/writer/director Jana Naomi Smith joined The Frogs for a rollicking live taping of their podcast, to talk career, inspiration, the origins of R4R, and for a live performance featuring Caro Guzmán. To listen to the full episode, head over to the The Frogs — where theater, culture, and vibe collide. Co-hosted by Alex Ubokudom and Tobie Windham, the podcast dives deep with groundbreaking artists, thinkers, and storytellers who are shaping the future of performance and cultural expression. From unforgettable interviews to live events and creative activations, The Frogs is more than a podcast, it’s a movement. It’s community. Whether you’re in the industry or simply love a good story, The Frogs invites you to tap in. Created in collaboration with Outside In Theatre.

As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store.

As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime.

Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two.